Escarpment: meaning, definitions and examples

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escarpment

 

[ ɪˈskɑːrp.mənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geography

A long, steep slope, especially one at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights.

Synonyms

bluff, cliff, cliff edge, precipice, ridge.

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Word Description / Examples
escarpment

Use when referring to a long, steep slope or cliff usually created by faulting or fracturing of the earth's crust. It often separates two relatively level areas of differing elevations.

  • The hiking trail follows the edge of the escarpment, offering breathtaking views.
  • The Great Rift Valley is a famous geological escarpment.
cliff

Refers to a high, steep face of rock or earth, typically offering a dramatic drop-off. Suitable for both natural formations and man-made structures.

  • The climbers cautiously made their way up the jagged cliff.
  • Standing at the cliff's edge, she could see for miles.
bluff

This term is often used to describe a broad, rounded cliff, especially near rivers or coastlines. It generally has a more gradual slope compared to a cliff or precipice.

  • They set up their picnic on the bluff overlooking the ocean.
  • The bluff provided a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset.
ridge

Describes a long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed that is not necessarily steep. It can be used to describe both natural mountain ranges and smaller elevated areas.

  • They hiked along the ridge, enjoying the panoramic views on both sides.
  • The ridge marks the boundary between the two counties.
precipice

Typically used to describe an extremely steep or overhanging rock face, usually carrying a sense of danger or immediate drop. Often has a dramatic or dangerous connotation.

  • She found herself teetering on the edge of the precipice, her heart racing.
  • The explorer nearly slipped off the precipice into the canyon below.
cliff edge

Specifically denotes the very edge of a cliff, often highlighting the danger or thrill of that position.

  • He stood nervously at the cliff edge, peering down at the waves crashing below.
  • The cameraman captured the breathtaking view from the cliff edge.

Examples of usage

  • The hikers stopped to admire the breathtaking view from the top of the escarpment.
  • The river below flowed rapidly along the base of the escarpment.
  • The city was built on the edge of an ancient escarpment.
  • The escarpment provided a natural barrier between the two regions.
  • The army positioned themselves on the escarpment to have a strategic advantage.

Translations

Translations of the word "escarpment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escarpa

🇮🇳 खड़ी चट्टान

🇩🇪 Steilküste

🇮🇩 tebing curam

🇺🇦 урвище

🇵🇱 skarpa

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 escarpement

🇪🇸 escarpa

🇹🇷 uçurum

🇰🇷 절벽

🇸🇦 جرف

🇨🇿 útes

🇸🇰 útes

🇨🇳 悬崖

🇸🇮 strma pečina

🇮🇸 klettur

🇰🇿 жарқабақ

🇬🇪 ფერდობი

🇦🇿 sıldırım

🇲🇽 escarpa

Etymology

The word 'escarpment' originated from the French word 'escarpement', which came from the Italian 'scarpare' meaning 'to shoe'. In military terminology, an escarpment referred to the defensive slope of a fortified position. Over time, the term evolved to describe any steep slope or cliff, particularly in a geographical context.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,234, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.